Harry Redknapp: Tottenham's Ledley King must go to World Cup after performance against Aston Villa

Some things in life defy explanation, such as the ability of Ledley King to
challenge science, the doctors and his own manager on a regular basis and,
according to Harry Redknapp, he should go to the World Cup.

Tower of strength: Ledley King has backing of Harry Redknapp to make England squad for South AfricaPhoto: ACTION IMAGES

By John Ley

6:30AM GMT 08 Feb 2010

Some things in life defy explanation, such as the ability of Ledley King to challenge science, the doctors and his own manager on a regular basis and, according to Harry Redknapp, he should go to the World Cup.

A game dominated by outstanding goalkeeping and text-book defending produced one of the better goalless draws of the campaign and highlighted the talents of the men at the back.

Aston Villa’s Richard Dunne was impressive, but it was King’s performance, particularly if one considers his potentially debilitating knee problems, that warmed a cold Saturday evening.

King cannot train, he spends more time with the Tottenham Hotspur’s physiotherapists than his team-mates and needs a swim rather than a run-out to be able to perform to a high standard.

When he starts he usually completes 90 minutes, with pace, grit and style. And with England’s chief central defenders in the spotlight, it is understandable that King should be talked up as the perfect cover for John Terry and Rio Ferdinand in South Africa.

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“He is a fantastic player, you’d take him to the World Cup all day long, he’s that good,” said Redknapp. “He’s special, that’s why when he’s fit I play him. He’d love to go to the World Cup. I think he could go because if you lose Terry or Rio, you know he’s going to come in and do a job for you.”

Tottenham have won more games with King than without him this season and a Champions League place remains his chief target. A place in the England squad could follow, but the 29 year-old is concentrating on club matters for now.

“Champions League football is something I sit down and watch and look forward to on a Tuesday and Wednesday,” said King. “You want to play in those games with the atmosphere they have, against the best players. That’s what you strive for.”

Tottenham could have been closer to the holy grail had referee Chris Foy awarded a penalty against Stiliyan Petrov when he clearly fouled Jermain Defoe in the area late in the game.

Earlier Brad Friedel had produced a succession of good saves to deny the hosts as Villa claimed their fourth successive clean sheet and eighth in 10 league games.